Cleaning device for artificial pools

ABSTRACT

A cleaning device for artificial pools comprises a flexible sheet formed from an oleophilic and hydrophobic material, and that is buoyant in water. In a preferred embodiment, the sheet is circular and is formed from a plurality of individual layers secured in overlapping relation to one another. Each of the layers comprises a fibrous mat composed of fibers of high melt-flow polypropylene.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to artificial pools, and more particularlyto cleaning devices for artificial pools.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

For many people, few activities on a hot day are as pleasant andrefreshing as a swim, and many people have backyard (or even indoor)swimming pools for this very purpose. In addition, many people like torelax in a smaller pool heated to a higher temperature, often referredto as a “hot tub”. Some people may have both a swimming pool and a hottub, and may alternate between them, warming up in the hot tub afterthey become cold from swimming.

There is a darker side to such frolic, however. As owners of suchswimming pools and hot tubs will appreciate, elaborate effort isrequired to maintain the water in a condition suitable for human use.The water must be chlorinated to inhibit the growth of bacteria, and thepH level must be carefully controlled. Sophisticated filtration systemsare used to circulate and filter the water, and long-handled nets areused to remove floating debris. Such systems are suitable for theirpurpose, but even with all of these measures, unwanted oil-based foreignmatter can accumulate, often introduced by the bathers themselves.Examples of such oil-based detritus include oil residues fromperspiration, body oil, sun protection and tanning lotions, insectrepellents, shampoos and conditioners, cosmetics and fragrances andaromatherapy products, and the like. This material can form an unsightlyfoam (often referred to as “scum”) on the water's surface, particularlyat the edges where it can adhere to the walls of a swimming pool or hottub and then dry and harden, making it difficult to clean.

Human-constructed swimming pools and hot tubs are referred to herein as“artificial pools”, to distinguish them from naturally occurring bodiesof water, such as oceans, seas, lakes, rivers, hot springs and even“swimming holes”.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a cleaning devicefor artificial pools. The cleaning device comprises a flexible sheetformed from an oleophilic and hydrophobic material and that is buoyantin water. In a preferred embodiment, the sheet is a circular sheet.

The sheet may be formed from a plurality of individual layers secured inoverlapping relation to one another, and each layer may comprise afibrous mat containing fibers having a diameter between about 8 micronsand about 18 microns. The fibers may be fibers of high melt-flowpolypropylene. The polypropylene may have a specific gravity of 0.8 anda basis weight of 450 grams per square meter.

In one embodiment, the sheet is circular and has a diameter of about11.5 inches, and in another embodiment, the sheet is circular and has adiameter of about 23.5 inches.

In another aspect, the method is directed to a method for cleaning anartificial pool. The method comprises the steps of providing at leastone flexible sheet formed from an oleophilic and hydrophobic materialand that is buoyant in water, placing the at least one sheet in theartificial pool, and allowing the at least one sheet to float on thesurface of water in the artificial pool. The method may further compriseremoving the at least one sheet from the artificial pool, rinsing atleast a downside surface of the at least one sheet with water, andreplacing the at least one sheet in the artificial pool.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features of the invention will become more apparent fromthe following description in which reference is made to the appendeddrawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment of acleaning device, according to an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the cover of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of the cleaning device of FIG.1, taken along the line 3-3 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3A is a detailed view of a portion of the cross-sectional viewshown in FIG. 3;

FIGS. 4A and 4B are perspective views showing relative sizes of thecleaning device of FIG. 1 (FIG. 4A) and a second exemplary embodiment ofa cleaning device (FIG. 4B);

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the cleaning device of FIG. 1 in anartificial pool;

FIG. 6 shows an exemplary method of using a cleaning device according toan aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a first side view of the cover of FIG. 1 in an artificialpool;

FIG. 8 is a second side view of the cover of FIG. 1 in an artificialpool;

FIG. 9 is a top view of a third exemplary embodiment of a cleaningdevice, according to an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a top view of a fourth exemplary embodiment of a cleaningdevice, according to an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a top view of a fifth exemplary embodiment of a cleaningdevice, according to an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a top view of a sixth exemplary embodiment of a cleaningdevice, according to an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a top view of a seventh exemplary embodiment of a cleaningdevice, according to an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a top view of an eighth exemplary embodiment of a cleaningdevice, according to an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a top view of a ninth exemplary embodiment of a cleaningdevice, according to an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a top view of a tenth exemplary embodiment of a cleaningdevice, according to an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a top view of an eleventh exemplary embodiment of a cleaningdevice, according to an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a top view of a twelfth exemplary embodiment of a cleaningdevice, according to an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 19 is a top view of a thirteenth exemplary embodiment of a cleaningdevice, according to an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 20 is a top view of a fourteenth exemplary embodiment of a cleaningdevice, according to an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 21 is a top view of a fifteenth exemplary embodiment of a cleaningdevice, according to an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 22 is a top view of a sixteenth exemplary embodiment of a cleaningdevice, according to an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 23A is a top view of a seventeenth exemplary embodiment of acleaning device, according to an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 23B is a perspective view of the cleaning device of FIG. 23A;

FIG. 23C is a perspective view of an eighteenth exemplary embodiment ofa cleaning device, according to an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 24A is a top view of a nineteenth exemplary embodiment of acleaning device, according to an aspect of the present invention; and

FIG. 24B is a perspective view of the cleaning device of FIG. 24A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference now to FIGS. 1 and 2, an exemplary cleaning device forartificial pools is shown generally at 10. The exemplary cleaning device10 comprises a flexible sheet 12 formed from an oleophilic andhydrophobic material, and is buoyant in water.

In a preferred embodiment, the sheet 12 is circular, that is, the sheet12 has a circular outer perimeter 14 so as to take the form of a disc.The sheet 12 is flexible so that when placed in an artificial pool, thesheet 12 will conform to the surface of the water to maintain constantcontact across the breadth of the sheet 12. Cleaning devices comprisingcircular sheets according to aspects of the present invention may havedifferent sizes, depending on the size of the artificial pool with whichthey are to be used. For example, as shown in FIG. 4A, the exemplarycleaning device 10 is intended for use in a swimming pool, and has adiameter of about 23.5 inches (about 60.7 centimeters), while thecleaning device 10B shown in FIG. 4B is intended for use in smallerartificial pools such as hot tubs, and has a diameter of about 11.5inches (about 29.2 centimeters).

Now referring to FIG. 3, in the exemplary cleaning device 10 the sheet12 is formed from a plurality of individual layers 16 of oleophilic andhydrophobic material secured in overlapping relation to one another byultrasonic welds 18. As shown in FIG. 3A, each layer 16 comprises afibrous mat containing fibers 20 of oleophilic and hydrophobic materialhaving a diameter between about 8 microns and about 18 microns.Preferably, the fibers 20 are fibers of high melt-flow polypropylene,preferably having a specific gravity of 0.8 and a basis weight of 450grams per square meter. A melt-blowing process may be used to form thefibrous mats. Preferably, cleaning devices according to aspects of thepresent invention are thin to facilitate flexibility; the thickness ofthe sheet 12 is about 0.5 centimeters (about ⅕ inch).

Referring now to FIG. 5, in use a cleaning device according to an aspectof the present invention, such as the cleaning device 10, will be placedonto the surface 30 of the water 31 (see FIGS. 7 and 8) in an artificialpool 32 where it floats freely on the surface 30. The cleaning device 10is carried about the artificial pool 32 by the currents therein, where,because of the oleophilic nature of the material, the cleaning device 10encounters and traps, that is, absorbs and locks in, oil-based detritussuch as oil residues from perspiration, body oil, sun protection andtanning lotions, insect repellents, shampoos and conditioners, cosmeticsand fragrances and aromatherapy products, and the like. A cleaningdevice according to aspects of the present invention, such as thecleaning device 10 described above, can be used in an artificial pooluntil saturated with oil-based detritus, after which it can be discardedand a new cleaning device placed in the artificial pool. In addition,because the cleaning device 10 is formed from a plurality of layers ofoverlapping fibrous mats, it is also able to trap smaller particulatedebris that is not oil-based. This non-oil-based debris can be rinsedaway by water at sufficient pressure. By absorbing oil-based detritus, acleaning device according to an aspect of the present invention mayprolong filter life and improve filter performance.

As the cleaning device 10 floats in the artificial pool 32, it will bumpagainst the walls 34 thereof. Because the cleaning device 10 comprises aflexible sheet 12, it will undulate with the wave motion at the surface30 of the water 31. As such, where the walls 34 of the artificial pool32 are clean, when the sheet 12 abuts a wall 34 of the artificial pool32, the circular edge 14 of the sheet 12 will rub vertically against thewall 34, providing a gentle scrubbing action which helps to prevent newoil-based foreign matter from accumulating on the walls 34. This isshown in particular in FIGS. 7 and 8.

Moreover, because the edge 14 of the sheet 12 is circular, theorientation of the sheet 12 when it contacts the wall 34 will notmatter, and in some cases the sheet 12 will be able to roll or slidealong the wall 34, with the edge 14 rubbing the wall 34 as the sheet 12moves along the wall 34. In addition, where the junction between thewalls 34 is curved rather than angular, as shown in the case of thecurved junction 36 in the artificial pool 32, the circular shape of thesheet 12 facilitates cleaning of such curved junctions.

The dimensions of cleaning devices according to aspects of the presentinvention should be such as to substantially prevent the cleaningdevices from becoming trapped in the filter intakes of the artificialpools in which they are used. As such, for a circular cleaning deviceused in a typical swimming pool, a diameter of about 23.5 inches (about60.7 centimeters) will typically be sufficient (see FIG. 4A), and for acircular cleaning device used in a typical hot tub, a diameter of about11.5 inches (about 29.2 centimeters) will typically be sufficient (seeFIG. 4B).

Referring now to FIG. 6, an exemplary method for cleaning an artificialpool according to an aspect of the present invention is shown generallyat 600. At step 602, an individual 40 provides at least one sheet 60formed from an oleophilic and hydrophobic material and that is buoyantin water, and places the at least one sheet 60 in the artificial pool32. The at least one sheet 60 may be, for example, the cleaning device10 described in detail above. The individual 40 then allows the at leastone sheet 60 to float on the surface 30 of the water 31 in theartificial pool 32, as shown in step 604. As it floats about theartificial pool 32, the sheet 60 will trap oil-based detritus and othersmall debris. After allowing the at least one sheet 60 to float in theartificial pool 32 for a period of time, for example one week, theindividual 40 returns at step 606 to remove the at least one sheet 60from the artificial pool 32. Then, at step 608, the individual 40 rinsesat least a downside surface 60A, that is, the surface 60A of the sheet60 that had been in contact with the surface 30 of the water 31, of eachof the at least one sheet 60. In the method 600 as illustrated, thisrinsing is accomplished with water from a garden hose 50, which providesthe water at sufficient pressure to dislodge non-oil-based debris fromthe fibers of the sheet 60. The water from the hose 50 should bedirected away from the artificial pool 32; in the illustrated embodimentof the method 600, the spraying is carried out so that the dislodgeddebris is deposited into a garbage receptacle 70. At step 610, theindividual 40 replaces the at least one sheet 60 in the artificial pool32, and at step 612, the individual again allows the at least one sheet60 to float in the artificial pool 32 for a period of time, after whichsteps 606 to 612 may be repeated indefinitely until the at least onesheet 60 becomes saturated with oil-based detritus and cannot absorb anymore.

A single individual may carry out all of the steps of the method 600, ordifferent individuals may carry out different steps of the method 600.For example, a first individual may place the at least one sheet 60 inthe artificial pool 32 at step 602, and a second, different individualmay remove the at least one sheet 60 at step 606, rinse it at step 608and replace it at step 610.

FIGS. 1 to 6 illustrate particular preferred embodiments of cleaningdevices according to aspects of the present invention, which comprisecontinuous sheets having circular edges. Such embodiments may beprovided with a label on one side, for example for branding ordecorative purposes. A preferred label is a circular label that has adiameter slightly smaller than the diameter of the circular sheet towhich it is to be affixed. Alternative embodiments of cleaning devicesaccording to the present invention may have a nearly circular, butslightly oval, perimeter shape.

In other embodiments, cleaning devices according to aspects of thepresent invention may comprise sheets that are discontinuous (i.e. haveinternal portions of the sheet cut away), and which may have a varietyof perimeter shapes and a variety of markings on the upper surface ofthe sheets (the side that is intended to face away from the surface ofthe water). These features enable cleaning devices according to anaspect of the present invention to have a decorative aspect. Particularexamples of such decorative embodiments of cleaning devices according toaspects of the present invention are shown in FIGS. 9 to 24B, each ofwhich comprises a flexible sheet that is buoyant in water and that isformed from a plurality of individual overlapping layers, with eachlayer comprising a fibrous mat containing fibers of an oleophilic andhydrophobic material.

In FIG. 9, a cleaning device 900 comprises a sheet 902 whose perimeteris shaped according to an overhead view of a boat and which includesmarkings 904 representative of a boat. Similarly, FIG. 10 shows acleaning device 1000 comprising a sheet 1002 whose perimeter is shapedlike a football and which includes markings 1004 representative of afootball.

FIGS. 11 to 14 show respective cleaning devices 1100 to 1400representing, respectively, the spade, heart, club and diamond suits ofa deck of playing cards by way of discontinuous sheets 1102 to 1402having the relevant pattern formed by way of cut-outs 1104 to 1204.

FIG. 15 shows a cleaning device 1500 comprising a tear-shaped sheet1502, and FIG. 16 shows a cleaning device 1600 comprising a heart-shapedsheet 1602. FIG. 17 shows a cleaning device 1700 comprising a sheet 1702that is generally square with rounded corners.

FIG. 19 shows a cleaning device 1900 comprising a sheet 1902 that isgenerally triangular with rounded corners, and FIG. 20 shows a cleaningdevice 2000 comprising a sheet 2002 that is generally rectangular withrounded corners. These rounded corners facilitate the above-describedvertical rubbing action against walls of the artificial pool, relativeto square corners.

FIG. 18 depicts a cleaning device 1800 formed from a sheet 1802 having agenerally flower-shaped outer perimeter, with a central marking 1804representing the center of the flower.

In FIG. 2100, a cleaning device 2100 is shown which comprises a sheet2102 whose perimeter is irregularly shaped and generally curvaceous.

FIG. 22 illustrates a cleaning device 2200 comprising a circular sheet2202 including an internal representation of an animal, in this case abird, formed by way of cut-outs 2204.

FIGS. 23A and 23B depict a cleaning device 2300 comprising a sheet 2302shaped like a lily pad leaf and including markings 2304 representativeof a lily pad leaf. An artificial flower 2306 is secured at an edge ofthe sheet 2302, to provide a three-dimensional effect.

FIG. 23C shows a cleaning device 2300C that is similar to the cleaningdevice 2300, comprising a lily-pad-shaped sheet 2302C with correspondingmarkings 2304C, with a sculpture of a frog 2306C, preferably made fromlightweight green plastic, secured to an upper surface of the sheet2302C instead of the artificial flower 2306.

FIGS. 24 and 24B show a cleaning device 2400 comprising a sheet 2402shaped like a shark, with a lightweight plastic fin 2406 secured to theupper surface of the sheet 2402 so that the fin 2406 projectsperpendicularly to the upper surface of the sheet 2402.

Each of the above-described embodiments may have suitable coloring andmarking. The material of the sheets may be colored, that is, the fibersmaking up the sheets can be processed in a desired color, and indeliblemarkings may be applied to the upper surface of the sheets such as bydirect printing, or printed labels having appropriate coloring andmarkings may be applied to the upper surface of the sheets. For example,in the case of the cleaning device 2300 comprising a sheet 2302 shapedlike a lily pad leaf, the material of the sheet 2302 may be green, or agreen-colored, printed label may be affixed to the upper surface of thesheet 2302.

Any of the cleaning devices 900 to 2400 described above may be used withthe method 600 described above, and other cleaning devices according toaspects of the present invention may also be used with this method.

One or more currently preferred embodiments have been described by wayof example. It will be apparent to persons skilled in the art that anumber of variations and modifications can be made without departingfrom the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

1. A cleaning device for artificial pools, comprising: a flexible sheet;formed from an oleophilic and hydrophobic material; and being buoyant inwater.
 2. The cleaning device of claim 1, wherein the sheet is acircular sheet.
 3. The cleaning device of claim 2, wherein the sheet isformed from a plurality of individual layers secured in overlappingrelation to one another.
 4. The cleaning device of claim 3, wherein eachlayer comprises a fibrous mat containing fibers having a diameterbetween about 8 microns and about 18 microns.
 5. The cleaning device ofclaim 4, wherein the fibers are fibers of high melt-flow polypropylene.6. The cleaning device of claim 5, wherein the polypropylene has aspecific gravity of 0.8.
 7. The cleaning device of claim 6, wherein thepolypropylene has a basis weight of 450 grams per square meter.
 8. Thecleaning device of claim 2, wherein the sheet has a diameter of about11.5 inches.
 9. The cleaning device of claim 2, wherein the sheet has adiameter of about 23.5 inches.
 10. A method for cleaning an artificialpool, comprising: providing at least one flexible sheet formed from anoleophilic and hydrophobic material and being buoyant in water; placingthe at least one sheet in the artificial pool; and allowing the at leastone sheet to float on a surface of water in the artificial pool.
 11. Themethod of claim 10, further comprising: removing the at least one sheetfrom the artificial pool; rinsing at least a downside surface of the atleast one sheet with water; and replacing the at least one sheet in theartificial pool.